The Analects

Author: Shi Yanbo
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: The Analects is a collection of sayings and deeds of Confucius and some of his disciples. It was compiled by his disciples and re-disciples after his death. Confucius (551 BC–479 BC), named Qiu, styled Zhongni, was a native of Lu during the Spring and Autumn Period. He was the founder of the Confucian school, a renowned ancient Chinese thinker and a great educator. His main activities in life were gathering disciples to teach and organizing ancient texts. The core of his thought is "benevolence" (ren), and his political ideal is "benevolent governance." Although The Analects is not a lengthy work, its content is very extensive, recording Confucius's remarks on politics, philosophy, education, ethics, literature, art, and moral cultivation. It is one of the most important classic works of the Confucian school and an essential read for understanding Chinese culture. The Song Dynasty statesman Zhao Pu once said, "Half of The Analects can govern the world," demonstrating its high historical status. The Analects has influenced Chinese history for over two thousand years and was introduced to overseas countries early on. As a representative work of Chinese culture, it has had a profound impact worldwide and is often called the "Bible of the East." To help young friends understand this great work, we have selected over 90 classic sayings from it. Alongside interpretations of the original text, we have included relevant allusions and exquisite, harmonious illustrations to help young friends grasp the spiritual essence embedded in these sayings. Through this illuminating reading, you can understand the profound Chinese culture in the shortest time, continuously enhance your self-cultivation, and become a person of both virtue and talent.